Is your toilet clogged again? Most of the time, it’s one of three things. You flushed too much toilet paper at once, flushed something that doesn’t belong down there, like wipes, paper towels, or cotton balls, or you have a low-flow toilet with a weak flush that can’t push everything through.
And sometimes, it’s worse. A toy or toilet brush gets stuck deep in the trap.
So, here are 5 genius ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger, even when you’re dealing with stubborn clogs. We’ll also explain how to unclog a toilet when there’s poop in the bowl and what to do when nothing else works!
How to Unclog Toilet Without Plunger
Method 1: Dish Soap and Hot Water.
It works almost every time.
STEP ONE: Pour about half a cup of dish soap into the bowl.
STEP TWO: Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. The soap coats the clog and helps it slide down.
STEP THREE: Fill a bucket with hot tap water. Not boiling! Boiling water can crack the porcelain.
STEP FOUR: Hold the bucket at waist height and pour the water in steadily.
STEP FIVE: Wait a few minutes, then flush. If it’s still clogged, repeat the process once.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar.
This method works best if the water is draining slowly because of a small, soft clog.
STEP ONE: If the bowl is too full, scoop some water into a bucket first.
STEP TWO: Pour in 1 cup of baking soda, aiming toward the drain.
STEP THREE: Slowly add 2 cups of white vinegar. It will fizz, so pour slowly.
STEP FOUR: Wait 30 minutes. For a stubborn partial clog, give it up to an hour.
STEP FIVE: Pour in hot water, not boiling, from waist height, then flush.
Method 3: The Wire Coat Hanger Snake.
Try this if the clog is stuck near the drain opening and water alone can’t move it.
STEP ONE: Untwist a wire coat hanger and straighten it into one long piece.
STEP TWO: Wrap the end with an old rag or duct tape to prevent it from scratching the porcelain.
STEP THREE: Gently push the wrapped end into the drain.
STEP FOUR: When you feel resistance, push and twist gently to break the clog apart. Don’t force it!
STEP FIVE: Once the water starts draining, slowly pull the hanger out and flush once to check.
If the hanger can’t reach the clog, move on to the next two methods.
Method 4: The Wet/Dry Vacuum.
Try this if the clog is tightly packed and the water is just sitting in the bowl.
STEP ONE: Scoop most of the water out of the bowl.
STEP TWO: Set your shop vac to wet mode. Use a wet/dry vacuum only! A regular vacuum can’t handle water and could be ruined.
STEP THREE: Insert the hose into the drain opening and wrap a rag around it to create a tight seal.
STEP FOUR: Turn on the vacuum and let the suction pull out the clog.
STEP FIVE: Flush to test the drain, then clean and disinfect the hose according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Method 5: The Toilet Auger, also called a Closet Auger.
Use this if the clog is thick and stubborn and nothing else has worked.
STEP ONE: Insert the tip into the drain, keeping the rubber sleeve against the bowl to protect the porcelain.
STEP TWO: Slowly turn the handle while gently pushing the cable forward.
STEP THREE: When you feel the clog, keep cranking to break it up or hook onto it.
STEP FOUR: Slowly pull the cable back out, then flush to test the drain.
STEP FIVE: Rinse and disinfect the auger according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A toilet auger costs about $20 to $30 at most hardware stores, and it’s one of the most reliable fixes on this list.
Now, let’s go through some frequently asked questions you should know the answers to.
How to Unclog a Toilet When Nothing Works.
If nothing has worked, grab a toilet auger. It’s one of the most reliable solutions. Insert it into the drain, crank it slowly, and break up or pull out whatever is stuck. If even that doesn’t work, something may be stuck deep in the pipe, or your main drain line may be blocked.
Check your bathtub and sinks. If they’re draining slowly or making gurgling sounds, call a plumber.
How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger When the Water Is High.
First, don’t flush or add any more water! Lift the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop more water from entering the bowl. Then, scoop out some water with a cup until the bowl is about half full.
Now, use a toilet auger to clear the clog. A wet/dry vacuum may also work if it’s designed for liquid pickup and you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. That’s it!
How to Unclog a Toilet with Poop in It FAST.
Dish soap and hot water may help loosen the clog. Pour half a cup of dish soap into the bowl and wait about 10 minutes. Then, slowly pour in a bucket of hot water, not boiling, from waist height. Give it a few minutes to work. If the water still doesn’t drain, try using a toilet auger.